Reading Time: 6 minutes Eggshell Seed Starters: A Simple, Free, and Eco-Friendly Way to Grow Plants
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Eggshells are more than just kitchen waste, they’re a fantastic addition to any garden! They can be used for compost, fertilizer, and even as natural pest deterrents. But did you know they also make excellent seed starters?
Using eggshells as seed starters is an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to grow plants while providing essential nutrients to your soil.
In this guide, we’ll take you through a step-by-step process to create your own eggshell seed starters at home.
We’ve also created a detailed guide on turning eggshells into fertilizer, for more ways to use eggshells in your garden!
Table of Contents
Why Use Eggshells as Seed Starters?
Eggshells offer several benefits when used as seed starters:
- Eco-Friendly: Reduces waste and repurposes eggshells.
- Nutrient-Rich: Provides calcium and other minerals to plants.
- Easy Transplanting: You can plant the entire eggshell with the seedling directly in the soil.
- Cost-Effective: No need to buy expensive seed starter kits.
Related: What Vegetables Can You Grow In Pots and Containers?
What You Need to Make Eggshell Seed Starters
Before getting started, gather the following materials:
- Eggshells – Clean and dry, with the tops carefully removed
- Soil – Nutrient-rich potting soil or seed-starting mix
- Seeds – Any plant of your choice, such as herbs, flowers, or vegetables
- Egg carton or tray – To hold the eggshell planters
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Eggshell Seed Starters
1. Prepare the Eggshells
Carefully crack your eggs near the top and remove the contents (you can save them for cooking). Rinse the shells thoroughly and let them dry.
2. Add Soil to the Eggshells
Fill each eggshell halfway with soil. Don’t pack it too tightly, your seedlings need space to grow! Place the filled eggshells in an egg carton or tray to keep them stable.
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3. Plant the Seeds
Place one or two seeds in each eggshell, following the seed packet’s depth recommendations. Gently cover them with a bit more soil.
4. Water and Provide Sunlight
Gently water the soil to keep it moist, but not soaking. Place the tray in a warm, sunny spot, such as a windowsill or greenhouse. Water daily to ensure the seedlings stay hydrated and grow strong.
5. Wait for Growth
After about three weeks, your seedlings should be strong enough and ready to transfer to the garden. Once they reach about finger-length, it’s time to transplant them into the soil for further growth.
6. Transplanting Seedlings to the Garden
When your seedlings are strong enough, it’s time to move them to the garden. Simply crack the eggshell slightly and plant the whole thing in the soil.
Pro Tip: Cracking the eggshell helps it decompose faster, allowing the nutrients (like calcium) to enrich the soil and benefit the growing plant.
Additional Tips for Success
- Label Your Eggshells – If planting multiple types of seeds, use a marker or small tags to keep track of what’s growing.
- Use Organic Soil – A high-quality, organic seed-starting mix will give your plants the best chance to thrive.
- Start Indoors Early – If you live in a colder climate, begin your seeds indoors to give them a head start before transplanting outdoors.
How to Start Seeds in Eggshells
How to Start Seeds in Eggshells
Ingredients
- Eggshells
- Soil
- Seeds
- Egg carton or tray
Instructions
- Collect eggshells, soil, seeds, an egg carton or tray, and water. Using organic soil and quality seeds will give your plants the best start.
- Tap the top of each egg gently and remove about 1/3 of the shell. Empty the egg for cooking, then rinse the shells thoroughly. Let them dry completely to prevent mold.
- Spoon loose, well-draining soil into each eggshell, filling them about halfway. Avoid compacting the soil too tightly so the roots can spread easily.
- Place one or two seeds in each eggshell, depending on their size. Lightly cover them with a small amount of soil, following the recommended planting depth for your chosen plant.
- Water the soil carefully to keep it moist but not overly wet. Place the tray in a sunny spot with at least 6 hours of light per day, like a windowsill or greenhouse. Water daily to keep the soil from drying out.
- After a few days to a couple of weeks (depending on the seed type), you’ll see tiny sprouts emerging. Keep an eye on their progress and continue watering them daily.
- After about three weeks, your seedlings should be tall enough and ready to move to the garden. If they still look weak, wait a few more days before transplanting.
- Carefully crack the eggshell slightly before planting the whole thing in the soil. This allows the roots to break through more easily while also helping the shell decompose and release nutrients like calcium.
- After transplanting, water the seedlings well to help them adjust to their new environment. Continue to water them daily, remove weeds, and provide support if needed. Soon, you’ll have healthy, thriving plants!
Give Your Garden a Healthy Start with Eggshells
Using eggshell seed starters is a simple, free, and sustainable way to grow healthy plants while reducing kitchen waste. Instead of throwing away eggshells, you’re turning them into biodegradable, nutrient-rich seedling pots that help your garden thrive.
Plus, it’s an easy and fun project for gardeners of all levels. Try this easy gardening hack today and enjoy a greener, more sustainable garden!
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